Kazakhstan's automotive industry is preparing for a new stage of large-scale growth. According to forecasts from the Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAU), vehicle production in the country will increase by 22% in 2026, surpassing the 200,000-unit mark for the first time, Kazinform reports.
KAU President Anar Makasheva, speaking at an industry forum in Astana, emphasized that the current growth is a logical continuation of the 2025 investment boom.
Key factors:
- Launch of a multi-brand plant in Almaty: The plant producing Chinese brands Chery, Changan, and Haval is reaching planned production levels.
- Kia plant in Kostanay: The new facility in the northern region of the country is ramping up assembly rates.
- Dynamics: While growth in 2025 was 18% (171,400 vehicles), production is expected to reach 209,000 vehicles in 2026.
The development of the automotive industry has become a powerful stimulus for the labor market and social stability in the regions:
- New vacancies: Recent projects have created approximately 5,000 jobs.
- Current staff: The total number of employees in the passenger car, truck, and bus manufacturing sector has reached 11,169.
Earlier, Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev reassured consumers, stating that the expansion of domestic production should lead to lower car prices for Kazakhstanis due to optimized logistics and localization.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 23, 2026